Sunset Manta Ray Snorkel & Dive in Kona
Explore Kona’s manta habitat with snorkel or scuba options
Duration
2.5 hours
Includes
Snorkel gear, wetsuits, snacks
Highlights
Explore Garden Eel Cove after sunset, where underwater lights attract plankton that may draw manta rays. Float at the surface with a lightboard or, if certified, dive below for a different perspective.
- Learn about manta rays from the captain and in-water guides
- Use lightboards and dive lights during the in-water experience
- Relax aboard with snacks and drinks after leaving the water
- Rinse off in the hot freshwater shower
- Bring a towel and arrive wearing swimwear ready for the water
Itinerary
5:30 pm Check in time, where we provide everyone with wetsuits, equipment, loading onto the boat, and a boat safety briefing 6:00 pm Departure time, leave the dock, leisurely cruise the beautiful coastline to the manta site looking for dolphins, whales, and often seeing rainbows! 6:25 pm Arrive at the manta site garden eel cove, relax with snacks and drinks, gather on the front of the boat for an educational briefing from our captain Michael about manta rays where we learn about the animals, and gain a better knowledge and appreciation of how amazing these creatures are. 6:45 pm Watch the sunset during the Snorkel / Dive briefing, a quick explanation from your in water guides about how we snorkel with the mantas using the lightboards and divelights and exactly what you need to do in the water. This is also the time we can help novice snorkelers how to properly use a mask and snorkel. 7:00 pm Putting on our wetsuits and equipment, sliding into the water to see the manta rays!! 7:45 pm Getting back onto the boat, using the hot water shower to rinse off and grabbing another snack / drink. Boat returns to the harbor. 8:05 pm Back at the harbor.
What's Included
- Snorkel equipment
- Wetsuits
- Scuba equipment rental
- Snacks
- Soft beverages, sparkling water, and bottled water
Important details
- Arrive by the scheduled check-in time; seats may be forfeited 15 minutes after check-in
- Ages under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times
- Requires swimming 50 feet without additional flotation and prior snorkeling experience
- Scuba diving requires certification
- Not suitable if more than 5 months pregnant or if you have shoulder, back, or neck issues
- Requires climbing a short ladder unassisted to reboard and stepping between the dock and boat; not wheelchair accessible
- At least one person in your party must speak fluent English and translate as needed
- Follow crew safety instructions, including remaining seated or holding railings in bouncy ocean conditions
- A processing fee applies; the percentage is not specified
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 48 hours before your trip for a full refund. Cancellations within 48 hours are charged in full. Private trip cancellations require 7 days' notice. No charge if the operator cancels due to weather or mechanical issues.
FAQs
Yes. Sign the electronic waiver before you arrive to speed up check-in. Adult parents may include minor children on their form.
Arrive wearing your swimwear. Bring a towel (it’s not included). A rash guard and leggings with sun protection are recommended; if you use sunscreen, bring reef-safe sunscreen. Do not bring spray-on sunscreen on the boat.
No. You must be able to take a big step from the dock onto the boat and a big step down into the boat, and you must be able to climb a short ladder unassisted to get back on the boat from the water.
Meeting details
Honokohau Marina, 74-381 Kealakehe Parkway, Kailua-Kona, HI
